South Korea mourns as 181 die in plane crash after collision with fence | VIDEO

A devastating aviation accident unfolded at Muan International Airport, South Korea, on Sunday morning, leaving the nation in shock. A Jeju Air flight carrying 181 passengers and crew crashed during landing, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 176 lives, according to initial reports.

Landing gear malfunction sparks catastrophe

The plane, returning from Bangkok, encountered a critical malfunction in its landing gear, which triggered a massive fire upon touchdown. Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene, extinguishing the flames and working tirelessly to evacuate survivors. Officials confirmed the fire was brought under control, but the scale of casualties has cast a pall over the region.

Collision with fence adds to tragedy

According to Yonhap News Agency, the aircraft veered off the runway and collided with a perimeter fence. Local television broadcasts captured harrowing visuals of thick black smoke and towering flames engulfing the wreckage, underscoring the gravity of the disaster.

Political turmoil compounds crisis

The crash coincides with a period of intense political upheaval in South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol recently declared martial law, leading to his impeachment by lawmakers on Friday. This political vacuum saw Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok assume interim leadership.

In response to the crash, Choi directed all available resources toward the rescue and recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Yoon's office announced an emergency meeting, led by Chief Secretary Chung Jin-suk, to address the ongoing crisis.

This tragic incident, coupled with the political unrest, has plunged South Korea into a state of national grief and uncertainty. As rescue operations continue, the country mourns the lives lost in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in its history.